Welcome

We are happy that you want to find more about one of the most interesting and challenging programs at Hawaii Community College both in Hilo and Kealakekua in West Hawaii.

Both programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as are the culinary arts programs at Kapiolani CC, Kauai CC, Leeward CC, and Maui CC. This means high national standards in instruction and student learning outcomes are maintained. Culinary Arts courses successfully completed are usually accepted by other ACF accredited schools thorough out the USA.

Participation in the Culinary Arts program requires the purchase of books, uniforms, shoes and a knife set. Information on where to purchase these items can be learned from the counselors or instructors in the programs. The programs have many hours of hands-on instruction as well as classroom, so be sure you are able to fully participate in the learning experience. You are required to take Introduction to the Culinary Industry, Sanitation and Safety, Fundamentals of Cookery, Food and Beverage Purchasing, and Math 50 in the first semester. In West Hawaii, Dining Room Operations is also required. That is a total of 16 or 17 credits which is a heavy load; however, necessary to enable you to build your culinary skill and knowledge.

The Big Island of Hawaii is an ideal place to start your career in the culinary arts. Along the west coast of the island are 13 world-class resorts and clubs that are anxious to hire and develop our graduates. Also, on the island are many national chains, independent small restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, food processors and food suppliers that are the first step in learning how the Food and Beverage industry works. The Food and Beverage industry comprises the largest private enterprises in the USA.

The use of locally produced food is featured in our programs. We work closely with local farmers, ranchers, fruit growers and fishermen to develop recipes that are effective in keeping the flavor and nutrition of the foods while offering competitive prices. The tropical and higher altitude geography of our island provides 365 days of growing, so the flow of fresh foods is constant.

We are looking forward to working with you as part of one of the best Culinary Arts Programs in the Pacific.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Beginning July 1, 2011, the US Department of Education began requiring colleges to disclose a variety of information for any financial aid eligible program that "prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation". We hope that this information is helpful to our current students and to prospective students as they make their career and educational choices.

The data includes occupations, placement rates, on-time completion rates, average costs and program median loan debt.